Anthony DeAngelo, D, USA: Recently upgraded to an A rating, the 5-foot-10.75, 175-pound right-handed shot for the Ontario Hockey League's Sarnia Sting leads all defensemen in the league with 37 assists and 46 points in 30 games. He's also notched five power-play goals and one shorthanded goal.

Ivan Barbashev, LW, Russia: The native of Moscow, chosen No. 1 by the Moncton Wildcats at the 2012 CHL import draft, is having much success in his second season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He leads the team with 24 assists and 37 points, and owns a 48-percent winning percentage on faceoffs.

Thatcher Demko, G, USA: He's the youngest player participating in the NCAA ranks at Boston College. He's the second youngest (after center Jack Eichel) invited to USA Hockey's National Junior Team selection camp in Minneapolis (Dec. 15-18) and will need to work twice as hard if he wishes to earn a roster spot. Demko made 28 saves in a 2-1 win against the University of New Hampshire on Saturday and improved to 4-1-1 with a 2.31 goals-against average and .911 save percentage. The freshman was named Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week for games through Dec. 7.

Aaron Ekblad, D, Canada: One of the top defensemen on the draft board, he's as consistent as they come along the blue line and is among the top five in scoring for the OHL's Barrie Colts with 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 29 games.

Sam Reinhart, C, Canada: Many project the 6-0.75, 185-pound right-hander from the Kootenay Ice to go No. 1 at the 2014 draft in Philadelphia. Reinhart ranks among the top five in the WHL with 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists) and is among the top 10 with 16 power-play assists."